José Rafael Carrera Turcios (24 October 1814 Guatemala City – 14 April 1865 Guatemala City) is the ruler of Guatemala from 1844 to 1848 and from 1851 until his death in 1865.

During his military career and presidency, the new nations in Central America face numerous problems.

This leads to a rise of caudillos, a term that refers to charismatic populist leaders among the indigenous people.

Many regional and national caudillos are interested in power for their own gain.

Carrera is an exception, as he genuinely takes the interests of Guatemala's Indian majority to heart.

Backed by the Church, conservatives, and land owners, he dominates politics in the first five decades of Guatemala's independence more than any other individual.

He leads the revolt against the federal government and is instrumental in breaking up the United Provinces of Central America (Provincias Unidas del Centroamérica).